Final Comparison & Feedback

Well it’s been a tough few weeks but also it has been good. I have had so much going on but yet I still managed to keep going with my training and weight loss. Apologies that I did not post this on Monday but I wanted to ensure that I gave enough time to provide the correct comparison and feedback.

60 Day Challenge 

So as you know I was following Fit Man Fran's 60 Day Challenge and from week to week I did see some changes and results. Firstly let’s look at my stats and compare Week 1 to this week:

	Week 1	Week 9	Results
Weight	13 Stone	11 Stone 13 LBS	15 LBS (1 Stone 1LB)
Height	5 ft 7	5 ft 7	5 ft 7
BMI	28.7	26.3	Down by 2.4
Thighs	27.5 inches	26 inches	1.5 inches lost
Bottom	47 inches	44 inches	3 inches lost
Hips	43.5 inches	41 inches	2.5 inches lost
Waist	41 inches	39.5 inches	2.5 inches lost
Chest	38 inches	37 inches	1 inch lost
Arms	13.5 inches	12.5 inches	1 inch lost
Total Loss			11.5 Inches Lost

Looking at my stats on the above table it’s clear to see that I did make some great progress over the course of the 60 Day Challenge. I managed to lose a total of 15 LBS and 11.5 inches! I’m not quite back down to being a size 12 again but I am well on my way to getting there. I do feel that I could have done better and that I could have pushed myself more but there is no point dwelling on anything now, “Shoulda, woulda, coulda” and all that!

It is a great achievement and I am half way to achieving my goal of losing 2 stone by September. I am feeling quite proud at the moment but I am not going to let that affect me too much because I know that I have a long road ahead, not just to reach my goals but to maintain them once I reach them!

My Feeling on Fit Man Fran’s 60 Day Challenge

The 60 Day Challenge actually finished on the 9th of March, unbeknownst to me! It was only last week I wondered why we had not received anything as regards exercise and food so I decided to check back through all of the correspondence from Fran. The first post stated that the plan would end on the 9^th of March but this was never mentioned again. The last post that was put on the private Facebook Group Page was for the previous Friday’s exercises but said nothing about it being the last day of exercise within the plan.
Considering that the 60 day challenge had ended you would assume that we would have received a congratulatory message to say well done on our achievements but we didn’t. I was also never asked for my measurements or photographs. It just seems like the plan ended and so did any contact with us!

To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. I know that I have spoken about this in previous blog posts but I truly am gutted that Fran did not commit to this plan. He made promise after promise and I just feel a bit let down by the whole situation. He was obviously juggling too much to handle. I know that he recently opened a new gym (And I genuinely wish him the very best of luck with it) and he has commitments with The RTE Today Show but I don’t think that he should have undertaken this plan if he was unable to commit.
I don’t want to be overly negative but I do want to be honest. I do believe in Fit Man Fran’s Plans as I have seen results both on this plan and on the “Drop A Dress Size Challenge” with The RTE Today Show. Fran does know what he is talking about and I know that he is a great trainer and is hugely motivating but I just don’t feel that online programs are when he is at his best.

For me the personal interaction with a trainer is best. I have completed 2 online programs and although I did see results with both, I just think that when you work 3 days a week with a trainer they become familiar with you and your limits and abilities. I personally found that the online programs did not provide enough support for me. They are set programs and this may not suit everyone. I hurt my back and foot in the course of the 60 Day Challenge and I was also training for the Run Clare Series but I just felt that the plan was not flexible enough to allow for these.

If I worked solely with a trainer then maybe he/she would be able to rework the plan so as to suit my needs or injuries. Not only that, but with the online programs the trainer cannot see you working out so there is no guarantee that you are performing the exercises carefully and safely. The trainer should be there to supervise your work out and to encourage and motivate you. I do not want to stereotype all online programs, I only want to give my experience and point of view. This is not fact it is just my opinion gathered from my experience!

Where do I go from here?

I have decided that in future I will not be following any online programs. I would like to either work with a trainer or else do my own thing. My only problem will be the self motivation that I need in order to reach my goals and so for that reason I will continue with the blog. I will not post a blog every week as I had been doing but I will post regularly to keep you updated on how I am doing.

Until the next time, always remember to be:

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

3 Little Words Made It All Better

The power of words always amazes me. In 3 words you can give the nicest compliment or you can hurt someone deeply. 3 words can also give the relief that you have been waiting for and put your mind at rest by giving you a well deserved lift.

In the past few weeks I have found that I have put the blog on the back burner, however this has not been by choice. I have had a weight hanging over my shoulders and yesterday that weight was lifted by 3 little words: "He is Fine".

When my son, Colin, went for his 6 week check up our doctor detected a heart murmur so she referred him to a paedatric doctor in the Regional hospital. Now I know that babies will often grow out of heart murmurs but the worry was still there, even though our doctor felt that it was minor and nothing to worry about. She said that referring us to the paedatric doctor was more of a precaution than anything else.

As I mentioned Colin was 6 weeks old when the murmur was detected but we were put on the waiting list and heard nothing until January of this year. The letter arrived stating that the appointment would be on the 12th of March, by then Colin would be 9 months old and would have had to wait over 7 months to be checked up. The worry was there all along but more so for the past number of weeks with the appointment looming over our heads. I always had the constant worry that maybe my little baby still had the murmur and that it would mean having to have different types of tests and treatments.

Our appointment was for 10.15 but because there was torrential rain outside I decided to leave early so that we arrived in the hospital at 10. As it turned out because of the rain nobody had turned up for the earlier appointments so Colin was seen straight away! We left the hospital 22 minutes later. It was the fastest hospital visit I have ever had!

The doctor called us in and checked Colin's heart along with his pulse on his leg and wrist. It took only 5 minutes and then those glorious 3 words were utterred: "he is fine"! He also added another 3 wonderful words: "he's absolutly thriving". Needless to say that this was one worried momma no more! The doctor said that small babies often develop "Innocent" heart murmurs but that they usually grow out of them within a few weeks. He said that this is because their heartbeat is quite fast so creates a "noise" when the GP checks their heart through a stethoscope.

3 little words gave us the relief that we needed for the past 7 months and now we can concentrate on worrying about every other thing in life except for this. Although I am never without a worry in my head, I now dont have a major worry and that feels so good!!!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Monday Motivation Week 9

This week saw more positives and negatives but mainly positives! Lets, firstly, look at my stats for this week:

So here are my results for this week:

Weight - 11 stone 13lbs

Height - 5ft 7

BMI - 26.3 (Down from 26.6 last week)

Thighs - 26 - lost 0 inches

Bottom - 44 lost 0 inches

Hips - 41.5 lost 0 inches

Waist - 40 lost 1/2 inch

Chest - 37.5 lost 0 inches

Arms - 13 lost 0 inches

Now I know that I only lost 1/2 inch but not only did I get back down to my pre pregnancy weight but I managed to lose an extra 2 lbs! I am delighted. Honestly I don't know what I did to make such a huge drop but I'm so happy. I haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face all day. It's a great personal achievement because I have not been under 12 stone for years!

During the week I only managed to complete a 2K run on both Tuesday and Thursday. My foot was quite sore all week so I didn't want to push it. I had only just gotten over having a sore back and then I hurt my foot, it's typical! 

It was my left foot that hurt. It felt like a bad cramp and hurt more and more the longer that I was stood or walked. I rested when possible and it seems to be getting better so let's just hope that I will be able to complete my training successfully this week!

My Short Term Goals – Week 8

Due to my lack of training over the past week I really want to focus my energy on getting back into full training for the 10K run in 2 weeks. I'm going to run 5K on Tuesday and do some interval training on Thursday and I'll then attempt a long run at the weekend.

Because my main focus is to get my running back on track I am not going to put myself under pressure to lose weight. So my short term goals for this week:

Run 3 times this week 

Include 1 long run of no less than 8K

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Monday Motivation Week 8

Well I won't lie, it was a bad week for me this week! I'll go through it all shortly but first lets just look at my stats for this week:

So here are my results for this week:

Weight - 12 stone 2lbs

Height - 5ft 7

BMI - 26.6 (No change from last week)

Thighs - 26 - lost 0 inches

Bottom - 44 lost 0 inches

Hips - 41.5 lost 0 inches

Waist - 40.5 lost 0 inches

Chest - 37.5 lost 0 inches

Arms - 13 lost 0 inches

Aghhhhhhhh what a crappy week! No inch loss or weight loss. It is such a disappointment and is very disheartening but I have no one to blame but myself.

As I mentioned in last weeks post, I hurt my back following our walk in The Burren so that ment a week of rest! I didn't run or exercise all week so I know that had a huge effect on my targets. At the end of the day I didn't want to do any more damage.

My food intake wasn't much better either. I didn't really stick to the plan. One of the only good things from last week was that I did drink my 2L of water each day.

Another positive from last week was that I successfully ran race 2 in the Run Clare Series, as per yesterday's post. I felt amazing after considering my lack of exercise last week.

I now really feel like I can reach my goal of running the 10 miles by April and also the half marathon in Limerick in May. My confidence levels are at an all time high and nothing is going to stop me from achieving my goals!

 

My Short Term Goals – Week 8

 

This week I am going to push myself harder and harder to make up for last week and finally get back down to my pre pregnancy weight! So my short term goals for this week:

Run 3 times this week including a long run of no less than 8K

Lose 2lbs and reach my pre pregnancy weight of 12 stone

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

The 5 Mile-Race 2

Today was Race 2 of the Run Clare Series. It was a 5 mile run in Quilty Co Clare, along the beautiful West Coast. We honestly couldn't have asked for nicer scenery.

The route itself ran along the Atlantic Coast for approx 2.5 miles and then turned, heading back towards Quilty village. The 3 to 4 1/2 mile was quite hard as there was a lot of up hill, however the uphill from the 4 mile marker to 4 1/2 mile was, for me, the toughest. I wanted to give up so badly but I wouldn't let 1/2 mile get the better of me!

I'm sure for the seasoned runners this course was a breeze but for me, for a number of reasons, it was a battle and I feel so proud of an amazing achievement. All week long I had been dealing with a pulled muscle in my back. Last Saturday, following our hike in the Burren I collected my son at my mother-in-law's house. I lifted him up I felt an unreal pain in my back. Having trained in Massage Therapy I knew the seriousness of what had happened and how to help towards the recovery. I rested all week, only going for light walks on my lunch breaks and not over exerting myself. Not only had I an issue with my back but I was smothered all week with a cold!

With all of that being said I pushed on and wouldn't let anyone stop me from running (that's the stubborn streak in me, coming out again!!). My sister, Orla, ran with me. Of course she finished 5 mins ahead if me but she stood there at the finish waiting for me shouting words of encouragement. I had hoped to run the 5 mile in under 50 mins and then with everything that went against me this week, mainly my sore back, I was just praying that I'd run and walk it without doing more damage to myself. Luckily I ran NON STOP in 55.42 mins. I know I didn't reach my aim but I did well considering the week I had prior to the run!!!

I have to say that the people around me were and are such a huge encouragement. I have this stupid thing in my head that all of the seasoned runners are looking at me judging me, knowing that I am a "fraud" but I have come to realise that this is silly! Yes I am extremely intimidated by these runners but I also admire them and hope that one day I will be as good as them. Everyone has to start somewhere! My negitivity is a battle. It affects me constantly when I'm running and I have to turn up the volume on my headphones in order to drown it out. I usually hit my "wall" quite earl too and the negitivity creeps in and seeing people passing me out doesn't help. This is something that will probably take me a while to overcome.

I run every race with my sister, Orla. I train by myself because I cannot commit to a schedule at the moment due to having a small baby. Each day that I go out running I run for myself. I set my own pace and try not to worry about anyone else (I say TRY but my negitivity tends to affect me). Orla usually stays with me for a portion of the run and then takes off towards the end. I like to keep my pace because I don't have the experience, yet, to be able to make a burst for the finish line, hopefully that will come with my training though!

 

Today at the 2 mile mark I told Orla to run on if she wanted and I would keep to my own pace because I didn't want to aggravate my back by pushing myself too hard. From the minute Orla took off I noticed another runner keeping pace with me. We ran side by side for the duration. As it happens I didn't even notice who came over the finish line first but I was chatting to my sister and a school friend when she came up behind me and thanked me for keeping pace with her. I have to say, though, that she pushed me as much as I pushed her! 

Here is a photo of us, with my school friend Mairead, at the finish line (Apologies for the quality, the phone had been in my pocket so it was covered in condensation!!!!)

Luckily I also had great support in Mary and Christina too! They always know what to say beforehand to put me at ease. Today I was more nervous than I have ever been. I had butterflies in the pit of my stomach and when I met Mary and Christina they both made me feel like I could do it and even if I couldn't then who cares at least I turned up! I was telling them about my worries about the route and that from the half way marker, it was mainly uphill. Mary's reply was the best! She said "sure you'll be half way round at that stage so you'll have built momentum by then"! She also said that I should listen to my body and if my back hurt then I should walk but if not I should try to push on, and that's exactly what I did!


Here is Mary, Christina, myself and Orla at the finish line!

I just want to say congrats to the organizers of today's event on a fantastic day. And to the Run Clare Series organizers congrats on the series so far. We are half way there and I for 1 am feeling great and enjoying it so much!


So the 10K is next and I really feel like I'm ready for it, for the first time! We have 4 weeks so bring it on!!!!


Keep an eye on my Facebook page for more photos of today's run!!



Until the next time, always remember to be:

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Monday Motivation Week 7

Wow I'm already at week 7!!! How fast have those few weeks gone! 

My Results & Stats

So here are my results for this week:

Weight - 12 stone 2lbs

Height - 5ft 7

BMI - 26.6 (Down from 27 last week)

Thighs - 26 - lost 0 inches

Bottom - 44 lost 1/2 inch

Hips - 41.5 lost 1/2inch

Waist - 40.5 lost 0 inches

Chest - 37.5 lost 1/2 inch 

Arms - 13 lost 0 inches

So I reached my target of 2lbs this week but it was not without some obstacles. 

I was only able to manage 1 run during the week, due to circumstances beyond my control. When I did get out for my run, on Wednesday, I found that I was in such bad form and I still don't know why! 

It was great motivation because I ran and ran for 6K and didn't hit my wall! I think I should make sure that when go for a run in future that I'm in bad form. I will be running a 5 mile in Quilty in Co Clare, on Sunday so I think I'll have to build a temper beforehand!!!!

As per yesterday's post, on Saturday my sister and I did two of The Burren Trails. It was a lovely morning and no where near as hard as we expected. We walked/climbed 9K in 2hrs 55mins. We were delighted with this because according to the trail website these trails are estimated to take 3hrs 55mins!

We stretched and cooled down after so I was feeling great but then when I got home and picked up my 8 month old son I felt a tinge in my back! I was hoping to go for a run on Sunday but I was unable due to my back pain. I'm just resting it now so that I don't do any damage but it's frustrating not being able to go running! I have been using Deep Heat patches and Voltarol cream so hopefully they will help!

 

My Short Term Goals – Week 7

 

This week I want go get back down to my pre pregnancy weight so my short term goals for this week:

Run the 5 mile in Quilty!

Lose 2lbs and reach my pre pregnancy weight of 12 stone

 

As you know I'm following Fit Man Fran's 60 Day Challenge and it has definitely made a difference weight wise. However I am once again frustrated with Fran.

We received no exercises for Saturday and we are still waiting for tomorrow's exercises to be posted. I have also asked for the food plan for the next 2 weeks but once again my messages and comments have gone unanswered! Fran must be busier than the president if he cannot answer at least one of my messages. 

For me it's very disappointing because I am giving his plan all of my energy but he, sadly, is not doing the same for us. He must be fairly naive if he thinks that I wouldn't mention it in my blog! 

Anyway that's enough negativity for one evening!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Walking in The Beautiful Burren

Yesterday saw the first of my New Years resulolution walks/climbs. My sister, Orla, and I left early and headed for The Burren Trails, near Kilnaboy in North Co Clare.

We firstly followed the Blue Route (Mullaghmore Loop). It is 7.5K in total and is estimated to take 2hrs 55mins. It is classed as very difficult remote/ upland. 

We then followed the GreenArrow  Route (Nature Trail). It's is a moderate 1.5K walk and is estimated to take 40mins. In total we walked/climbed 9K in 2 hrs 55mins!

The trails are extremely well marked. We found that every time we were unsure of our way, there was a trail marker just ahead. They are suitable for any novice. 

 

We are by no means super climbers or super fit but we found the trails relatively easy. I think this is probably because the trails are not too long or too high a climb. Mullaghmore is classed as a hill because it is 180 Ft. Anything over 610m is generally classed as a mountain.

The trails range from moderate to very difficult with a climb of between 20m and 140m. There are some obstacles to climb along the way and you always need to watch your step as some rocks can be loose and there are holes along the ground. We luckily had no problems and enjoyed the 2 routes. 

The weather in general was lovely, although we did get caught in one hail shower. It passed quickly and we managed to get some shelter. It was quite windy but we really didn't notice until we were at the very top. I nearly fell a few times, mainly when I was trying to take photos!

The trails themselves were quiet, we only met a couple of people on the way up but by the time we got back down and walked back to the car, there were more people and cars visible.

I took my hiking poles with me but I found that I didn't need them. The one thing that was a must for me was my hiking boots. The ground was unpredictable in places and these boots definitely saved my ankles. As I've mentioned before I am by no means a professional and my boots were bought in Lidl last year but I have found them great for my needs.

We enjoyed our morning of climbing so much that we are planning another trip to walk all other routes! The routes that we still need to do are:

Yellow Route (Slieve Carron)

Brown Route (Slieve Carron)

Red Route (Mullaghmore Traverse)

Green Route (Mullaghmore Return)

Orange Route (Knockaunroe Turlough)

Purple Route (Lough Avalla Farm Loop)

We got back to the car by lunch time so once we had changed and had some lunch, we headed 5K further up the road to the house featured in Fr Ted! It's a private residence so we just took a couple of photos from the entrance. We did see a number of cars drive in to get photos beside the house. A number of people peered in the windows too! There is a big sign on the gate saying "Private" so I shocked that those people felt it ok to look in the windows! Maybe their excitement took over, who knows?!!!

If you fancy a nice day out and something that is different then I cannot recommend The Burren highly enough. We had such a great morning in the outdoors. Its so calming and peaceful up there. We looked like we were taken straight off the posters for Lidl and Aldi but we didn't care! It's all about the experience and we loved every second of it. It helps too that I'm not one bit stiff today, thanks to my stretching after the hike!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Monday Motivation Week 6

It's Monday and I'm going to keep it short this week. I really just want to update you on how I've gotten on!

My Results & Stats

So here are my results for this week:

Weight - 12 stone 4lbs

Height - 5ft 7

BMI - 27 (Down from 27.3 2 weeks ago)

Thighs - 26 - lost 1/2 inch.  

Bottom - 44.5 -  lost 1/2 inch

Hips - 42 lost 0 inches

Waist - 40.5 lost 0 inches

Chest - 38 lost 0 inches

Arms - 13 lost 0 inches

I have not lost any weight and did not reach my target of 2lbs. I knew that at some stage during this 6o Day Challenge, that I would not lose weight and it has happened this week! I have really noticed a difference in my muscle definition, in particular in my legs. Because of all of this I am not too upset that I didn't lose the 2 lbs as I am building muscles and tightening up all over. I have lost 1/2 an inch on both my thighs and bottom so that's the positive that I am going to take from the past week

Food & Exercise

The food plan is the same as in last weeks post. It is very manageable and easy to follow. This week also sees the start of lent and so every year I give something up for the duration of lent so this year will be no different. So I will be giving up all things sugar related! This will benefit the 60 Day Plan too!

Exercise wise I will continue on the route to my aim of completing the 10 miles by April. Along with this I will do a 20 minute routine, 5 days this week. I ran the 4 mile route, near to my house, on Sunday. I ran 2.5 miles, walked for 1/2 mile and ran the last mile. To be honest I found it tough and I was so annoyed with myself for walking that 1/2 mile but I have to look at the positive and that is that the last mile of the run was all uphill and I did it!

 

My Short Term Goals – Week 6 

 

I'm going to set myself the same short term goals for this week because I did not reach either goal last week so I feel that it is important for me to try to reach it this week.
 

So here are my short term goals for this week:

Run the 5 mile ring without stopping!

Lose 2lbs

 

I hope you are all with me this week. I know todays post is short and to the point but there is not need for me to ramble on and on. 

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Versatile Blogger Award

Versatile Blogger Award

Before I get started I would like to thank Eimear from Chirps From A little Red Hen for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award! It’s always a great way of getting my blog out there so thanks again Eimear. You are a huge supporter of mine and I also of yours!

The rules for The Versatile Bloggers Award can be found here! 

7 Things About Me!

        1.

         I have one sister and one brother,        and I am the middle child!

        2.

         I am named after my father. He is Denis Jude an I am Denise Judith. I am the 4th DJ within the                           family!

         

3.

By day I work for a frozen food company in Limerick so most days I am surrounded by foods of all types, it’s a tough job!

4.

I have 2 dogs called Berry and Ozzie. They are black Labradors and are brother and sister. My husband’s parents own their brother, Rex!

5.

I have done a sky-dive, bungee jump and white water rafting, all while living in Australia.

6.

I am avery shy person and I tend to get swallowed up when in large groups of people. I am much more comfortable in smaller groups. Once I know everyone in the group I usually begin to feel more at ease and will then join in on the chat more easily!

7.

I wore glasses up until I was 12 years of age. One pair of glasses that I had were bright pink, and looking back now, were hideous, but I loved them!!!!

According to the rules I must nominate 15 Blogs/Bloggers but to be honest I do not know 15 bloggers to nominate as I am new to the blogging world and almost all of the other blogs that I know and follow, have been nominated previously.However, I will nominate the below:

Annie Edwards of Make My Day

Thank you again Eimear for the nomination it was another fun challenge!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x